Financial Aid Counselor – Financial Aid
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Generous
benefits include paid time off including holidays and vacation, retirement
match, and tuition remission for employee and dependents. Details at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location: Financial Aid
Position Status: Full-time
Hours: Varied
Position Number: 242405/10-915
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
POSITION
SUMMARY:
The
Financial Aid Counselor is an integral member of the student financial aid team,
serving the entire prospective and current student body in capacities related
to the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid and
scholarships. Duties may include, but
are not limited to, awarding students and administration of financial aid
programs in accordance with relevant state and federal regulations and
institutional policies. This includes reviewing and establishing student
eligibility, executing student packaging strategies, completing federal Verification,
Return of Title IV funds, and Professional Judgements. Additional duties
include enrollment status reconciliation, housing and tuition budget adjustments,
study abroad, processing of Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, and all
aspects of the student financial aid lifecycle. High caliber customer service,
attention to detail and the ability to create and retain relationships with
students and their families, as well as the rest of the University Community is
required. Attendance at EMG Events, retention and student service events, and
counseling and advising students and their families is expected. This position
also serves as a key lead and point of contact for Federal Work Study and
Institutional Student Employment within the Financial Aid Team.
The Financial Aid Counselor may often
be the first point of contact with the university, and therefore, must become
familiar with university personnel, operations, and events, and will be
responsible for creating a positive first impression of Duquesne. The
Financial Aid Counselor will join a service-oriented team and is responsible
for counseling students and parents in all areas of financial aid.
DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Meets with families and students in-person,
virtually, and via telephone outreach.
Counsel incoming and current students on financial aid packages. Provides guidance to students who are
requesting re-evaluation of awards exercising professional judgment.
Case
management of student files, including awarding, verification, document
processing, C Codes, R2T4, Study Abroad, SAP, applications and all other duties
as required to support the financial aid lifecycle of students in the assigned
caseload for the entirety of their academic career.
Represent
financial aid at various open house events for current and incoming students.
Completes other
duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum qualifications:
1-3 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience.
Preferred qualifications:
3-5 years of
financial aid experience, experience with COD, FAA Access, Ellucian Banner
Systems and StudentAid.gov platforms preferred.
Proficiency with
PC, Microsoft Office tools, email and the Internet with the ability to learn a
variety of new technology systems; COGNOS reporting; familiarity with Slate and
Banner preferred.
Alternately, the
successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and
training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to
perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
Highly developed
interpersonal, analytic, problem-solving, organizational and communication
skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully and respectfully to a
diverse population of constituents and stakeholders
Strong
communication skills, both oral and written providing the ability to
effectively communicate with multiple internal and external constituents
Membership and
active engagement in appropriate national student service organizations, such
as NASFA and PASFA
Ability to
prepare and maintain confidential data independently in accordance with
established policies and procedures and exercise consistent discretion
Ability to create
and maintain complex records and files
Active
and ongoing engagement in directed and self-directed learning related to
Knowledge and
understanding of federal, states and agency-accrediting rules and regulations
as they pertain to higher education admission. Very strong knowledge of federal
and state regulations concerning financial aid, as well as NCAA regulations
Considerable
knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies governing the operations of the
University
Ensures
compliance with Federal and State laws pertaining to financial aid and FERPA
Proactive,
strategic, analytical and deadline-oriented in a complex organization
Ability and
willingness to work outside of regular business hours and some weekends during
peak enrollment periods
Willingness and
ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during peak enrollment periods
Sensitivity to
the needs of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as related
to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically; and the
ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the
University Community.
Ability and
willingness to contribute actively to the mission and to respect the Spiritan
Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence,
a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns
and an ecumenical campus community.
Commitment to the
University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the
importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with
the University’s Mission. Demonstrated
experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University
community (students, faculty, staff and others).
Ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University
Community.
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University
and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The
mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of
service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an
ecumenical campus community.
APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information
for three professional references.
Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values
equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We
aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects
contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus
community. We particularly encourage applications from members of
underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter
membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).
We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and
its Spiritan heritage by
visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement.
Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they
see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and
furthering its mission.
Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community,
the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in
mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity,
Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and
as an employer.